Beijing: China is establishing its first global real-time ocean observation network covering most parts of the Pacific, Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, according to Chinese media.

Chinese research vessel Kexue recently placed the 400th profiling float in the northwest Pacific Ocean since it joined the forefront ocean monitoring plan Argo in 2002.

Representational image. Reuters

It signals the establishment of the first global real-time ocean observation network in China, state-run Global Times quoted the China Science Daily as saying.

So far, the network covers regions in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the mid and north Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, it said.

Argo is an international maritime plan committed to continuously monitoring the temperature, salinity, and velocity of the upper ocean via a float array, in order to tackle climate change and enhance ocean-atmosphere forecasting.

Other media reports earlier said China has developed a new underwater surveillance network to help its submarines lock on targets while protecting the nation's interests along its maritime Silk Road plan, which includes the Indian Ocean.

The system, which has already been launched, works by gathering information about the underwater environment, particularly water temperature and salinity, which the Chinese Navy can then use to more accurately track target vessels as well as improve navigation and positioning, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

A report in the Global Times said that in the past 16 years, China has become a crucial member of Argo.

The China Argo Real-time Data Centre is the hub of data transmission and management. As well as data sharing with Argo partners across the world, it is also able to exchange its data with the World Meteorological Organisation members within 24 hours.

China is building an ocean monitoring network consisting of 100 to 150 floats in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions to advance its ocean research, development, and management.

In the future, China will deploy more floats equipped with the self-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the report said.